God of our fathers, known of old,Lord of our far-flung battle-line,Beneath whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine—Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,Lest we forget—lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies; The Captains and the Kings depart:Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart.Lord God of Hosts, be … Continue reading Poetry – ‘Recessional’
Poetry
Poetry – “The Charge of the Light Brigade”
Half a league, half a league,Half a league onward,All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.“Forward, the Light Brigade!Charge for the guns!” he said.Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. “Forward, the Light Brigade!”Was there a man dismayed?Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered. Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but … Continue reading Poetry – “The Charge of the Light Brigade”
Poetry – “Surprised By Joy – Impatient as the Wind”
(This was in fact suggested by my daughter Catherine long after her death - Wordsworth) Surprised by joy - impatient as the windI turned to share the transport - Oh! with whomBut thee, deep buried in the silent tomb,That spot which no vicissitude can find?Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind -But how could … Continue reading Poetry – “Surprised By Joy – Impatient as the Wind”
Poetry – “Alone”
From childhood's hour I have not beenAs others were — I have not seenAs others saw — I could not bringMy passions from a common spring —From the same source I have not takenMy sorrow — I could not awakenMy heart to joy at the same tone —And all I lov'd — I lov'd alone … Continue reading Poetry – “Alone”
Poetry – “When Earth’s Last Picture is Painted”
When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are twisted and dried,When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died,We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it - lie down for and aeon or two,Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall put us to work anew. And those that … Continue reading Poetry – “When Earth’s Last Picture is Painted”
Poem – ‘Opportunity’
This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:—There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;And underneath the cloud, or in it, ragedA furious battle, and men yelled, and swordsShocked upon swords and shields. A prince's bannerWavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.A craven hung along the battle's edge,And thought, "Had I a sword … Continue reading Poem – ‘Opportunity’
Poetry – “A Psalm of Life”
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,Life is but an empty dream!For the soul is dead that slumbers,And things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest!And the grave is not its goal;Dust thou art, to dust returnest,Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,Is our destined end or way;But … Continue reading Poetry – “A Psalm of Life”
Poetry – Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth
Say not the struggle nought The labour and the wounds are vain,The enemy faints not, nor faileth,And as things have been they remain. If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;It may be, in yon smoke concealed,Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers,And, but for you, possess the field. For while the tired waves, vainly … Continue reading Poetry – Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth
Poetry – “Cold Iron”
Gold is for the mistress -- silver for the maid --Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade."Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall,"But Iron -- Cold Iron -- is master of them all."So he made rebellion 'gainst the King his liege,Camped before his citadel and summoned it to siege."Nay!" said the cannoneer on … Continue reading Poetry – “Cold Iron”
Poetry – “The Conquered Banner”
Furl that Banner, for 'tis weary;Round its staff 'tis drooping dreary;Furl it, fold it, it is best;For there's not a man to wave it,And there's not a sword to save it,And there's no one left to lave itIn the blood that heroes gave it;And its foes now scorn and brave it;Furl it, hide it—let it … Continue reading Poetry – “The Conquered Banner”
Serpent's Den 